Ona-Ara Local Government Area is set to make history as it announces the maiden edition of NEW ERA Food Day, the first of its kind across the 33 Local Governments in Oyo State.
This landmark initiative was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Dr. Temitope Kolapo GLORIOUS, during the distribution of farm inputs to farmers across the 11 wards in the council — an N-CARE project by the Oyo State Government aimed at alleviating poverty among farmers and boosting agricultural productivity.
Dr. Kolapo explained that the NEW ERA Food Day will showcase farm produce and raw food items from farmers in Ona-Ara and other local governments in the state, all sold at the most affordable prices. He encouraged interested farmers to liaise with the Agriculture Department at the Council Secretariat for space allocation and further enquiries.
Welcoming the Coordinating Team of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), led by the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and OYSADA Director-General, Dr. Debo Akande, the Chairman charged beneficiaries of the free farm inputs to make judicious use of them for the growth of agribusiness in Ona-Ara and for increased yields. Distributed items included hybrid maize seedlings, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals.
Commending the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, FNSE, Dr. Kolapo stated that Oyo State has never experienced such grassroots-oriented projects in its history. He also expressed appreciation to the Governor for the approved dualisation of the Ariyo–Amuloko–Odeyale Junction Road, which will commence soon, and called for continued support from residents for the Governor’s people-focused leadership.
In his remarks, Dr. Debo Akande highlighted Governor Makinde’s transformational investments in agribusiness, urging citizens to visit state agribusiness hubs in Fasola and Eruwa to see the remarkable progress firsthand.
Also speaking, Mr. Ojegbile, a soya bean farming expert, sensitized farmers on best practices for planting soya beans and applying inputs for maximum yield.
As part of his administration’s direct contributions to farmers, Dr. Kolapo also distributed 100 knapsack spraying machines, 100 bags of hybrid maize seedlings, and other essential farming tools, in fulfillment of his campaign promises.
The Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Alhaja Ojewumi Abiodun, commended the Chairman’s vision and urged farmers not to sell the inputs but rather use them productively to ensure food availability, affordability, and quality in the community.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including: Hon. Sunday Adeniji, Supervisor for Agriculture, HRH Oba Kamorudeen Adebowale, Oniladutan of Laduntan, HRH Oba Nureni Yusuff, Alajia of Ajia, Dr. Ajani Babatunde, Director of Agriculture, Mr. Olanrewaju Olatunbosun, Director of Administration & General Services, Mr. Oyeniran Akinloye, Director of Finance, Mrs. Kareem Hassanat, Director of Budget, Traditional rulers, leaders of farmers’ associations such as ALFAN and FADU, and other stakeholders.
